6 Top-Rated St. Patrick’s Day Irish Whiskeys

Slainté! This St. Paddy's Day, raise a glass to Ireland with these delicious drams.

By Kara Newman

Raise a glass to Ireland. The country’s iconic whiskey, with flavors of vanilla, apple, pear and fresh-cut grass, makes a fitting toast on St. Patrick’s Day, but it plays well with cocktails any time of year. Here are six Wine Enthusiast-recommended bottles to break out today and beyond.

Ideal for sipping solo, this rich, flavorful dram was finished in oloroso Sherry casks. The Sherry influence shows in the baked apple and dried apricot that round into caramel and butterscotch tones on the finish.

A bartender favorite for sipping or mixing, this whiskey features enticing notes of honeysuckle and buttery brioche. A light touch of smoke tapers off to layers of honey, dried fruit, cinnamon and ginger.

Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey; $50, not yet rated.

Coming to the U.S. just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, this rose-gold whiskey is finished in former California Cabernet Sauvignon casks. It’s light-bodied and reminiscent of nuts, custard and vanilla, with just a fruity tinge in the aroma.